He blinks at me a few times. “You named your car?” he questions slowly.
“This isn’t just a car.” I narrow my eyes on him and stroke Betty in apology for his blunder.
Gunnar raises his hands and takes a step or two backwards. “Sorry. I won’t make that mistake again.” His brows dip, like he’s trying hard to control his facial expression.
“Just get in,” I grouse.
“I don’t think I even know how.” He peers at the door, looking left and right, then traces his fingers over the flat door handle.
I push past him and tip the handle so it pops out. “My lady.” I motion for him to climb in the open door. Gunnar’s jaw tics twice. I like poking fun at him.
I make my way around to the driver’s side and slide in. The seat is low, but it cradles me more comfortably than any other car I’ve ever owned.
“I wasn’t sure I was going to fit, but it’s surprisingly roomy.”
“That’s what he said.” I chuckle at my own lame joke and tap the button to open the garage. The engine purrs to life with a throaty growl. Gunnar looks at me with raised brows. “You didn’t just think she was a pretty face, did you?” I caress Betty’s wheel. “So, where to?”
“You can just take me to town, if you don’t mind. I’m meeting someone there.” Gunnar makes himself comfortable, shifting in the seat.
Just someone, huh? I don’t think I like the sound of that. It sounds like it might be a woman. “Where are you meetingyourfriend?” It’ll take me a good twenty minutes to get to town—more if I drive the speed limit. Plenty of time to find out a few more details about Gunnar and, hopefully, discover exactly what he is.
“Not my friend.” Gunnar’s voice goes a little dark. “Do you know Rumors?” He casts me a sideways glance. Definitely a woman then. Rumors is one of the local clubs that caters to a darker clientele. I’ve even found a few monsters there.
“I know it,” I confirm lightly. “I’ve never seen you there.” I keep my eyes on the two-lane road that leads into town. It’s pretty empty, but I keep my speed under seventy, even though it’s hard. Betty likes to stretch her legs.
“I’m not in the club often. How about you?” He’s fishing.
“Maybe a few times a month. I like to dance.” And eat, but I don’t say that part out loud. One night at Rumors and I’m good for a week, longer if I can find someone who’s cheating or being deceitful, which is pretty much everyone there.
Plus, I have other needs that need to be addressed. I never bring anyone home, but the men and women at Rumors know the score. No one goes there looking for a long-term commitment. It can be hard to find someone who’s not full of sins and suitable for my more essential hunger, but I don’t like mixing necessity with pleasure. Something about feeding off someone while I fuck them turns me off.
Gunnar makes a harrumph sound and crosses his arms over his chest. “You might know the person I’m meeting there.”
“Oh yeah, who’s that?” I keep my voice light, pretending I’m not dying to know.
“Vanessa.” He turns his head and watches me for a reaction. I force myself not to sneer. I know Vanessa. Who doesn’t know Vanessa? She owns the fucking club and she’s a fucking gorgeous, sexy-as-hell redhead with a killer body.
“Oh yeah, I’ve met her a few times.” She’s also full of sins. I fed off her once, but she left a bad taste in my mouth, so I’ve stayed away from her ever since. “Do you know her well?” I merge onto the highway. The traffic here is still light, but we’re getting closer to town, so it will only get heavier now.
“I’ve known her for a long time,” he answers, evading the question. I tap my fingers on the top of the steering wheel. I’m tired of his avoidance.
“How did you end up at my house,inmy house?” I decide to just ask him outright. I hear him suck his tongue against his teeth. “Let’s drop the bullshit, shall we? I’m pretty sure you’re not just a human.”
“I was,” he says softly. “A very long time ago.” Gunnar looks down at his large hands, his palms facing up.
“And now?” I’m almost breathless with the knowledge that he’s different, like me.
“And now I’m not.” He settles his hands on his legs and stares straight forward. His body language is telling me he’s done talking about it.
I almost press him, almost demand he tell me more, but I don’t. I have a strange desire for him to want to tell me about himself without me prodding.
“I’m not human either,” I tell him, even though I’m pretty sure he already knew that. “I don’t even know what I am, really,” I add blandly. It doesn’t bother me as much as it used to, but I’d still like to know where I came from, and if there’s anyone else out there like me.
I pull into a dark parking structure adjacent to the club. The growl of the engine echoes off the cement walls and ceiling as I find a parking spot on the first level.
“You’re coming in?” Gunnar actually sounds a little panicked.
“Might as well, I don’t get into town all that often.” I cut the car off and open the door. “Don’t worry, I won’t cramp your style.” I give him a tight smile.
